Columbus State Announces Updates on New Culinary Building

A major milestone was achieved in the advancement of a master redevelopment plan at the Columbus State Community College (CSCC) main campus. The school announced last night that Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) was donating a $2.5 million gift toward their $10 million fundraising campaign for the construction of a new $33 million gateway building that would house the culinary and hospitality programs.

“It is an incredible honor to give back to the community that has embraced our company for 25 years and provided the foundation for thousands of our associates to build meaningful and rewarding hospitality careers,” stated Cameron Mitchell, CEO and founder of CMR. “This project will elevate Columbus State’s already outstanding programs to a level consistent with Columbus’ growing reputation as a culinary and hospitality center.”

The new three-story 80,000-square-foot building, which will be dubbed “Mitchell Hall,” is slated for construction at 250 Cleveland Ave., in a portion of the campus currently occupied by surface parking lot. The project also includes a realigned portion of Mt. Vernon Avenue and streetscaping efforts.

“The new Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts building will serve as a new front door to Columbus State and a development driver in the Discovery District’s ‘Creative Campus’ neighborhood,” said CSCC President David Harrison. “We are proud to take our service to the community to the next level by introducing this asset, which will offer significant benefits to the public.”

The building’s construction will allow CSCC to expand the enrollment capacity of their Hospitality and Culinary Arts program by 1,500 students. It will feature a ground floor restaurant/bar, a seperate cafe and bakery, outdoor seating, and a 400-seat banquet-capacity conference center with a balcony. Student assets include a new teaching kitchen, a production garden and a 100-seat culinary theater.

Ground is expected to be broken this Spring following an upcoming review by the Downtown Commission, with an expected grand opening planned for Autumn 2019.

Walker is the co-founder of ColumbusUnderground.com and TheMetropreneur.com along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.

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Walker is the co-founder of ColumbusUnderground.com and TheMetropreneur.com along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.